Epic Games must pay fine and refund money to Fortnite players

Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC or FTC) has unanimously ruled against Epic Games in a case of unwanted purchases in Fortnite. The FTC said Epic used tactics to encourage unwanted purchases of virtual currency in games. These tactics have fueled millions of dollars of unauthorized consumer spending. According to the ruling, Epic Games must pay a $245 million fine. Funds will be returned to affected gamers.

Players who have been dishonestly charged for their Fortnite purchases can go to a site set up by the FTC to claim a refund. FTC will refund the money:

• Parents whose children made an unauthorized credit card purchase on the Epic Games Store between January 2017 and November 2018.
• Fortnite players who were credited with in-game currency (V-Bucks) for unwanted in-game items (such as cosmetics, blades, or Battle Pass) between January 2017 and September 2022.
• Fortnite players whose accounts were suspended between January 2017 and September 2022 after disputing unauthorized charges with credit card companies.

Also, Epic Games does not have the right to withdraw funds without the consent of customers. Fortnite must unlock accounts for players who dispute unauthorized charges.